Super Nachos from Taco John's feature seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, jalapenos, diced tomatoes, and tangy sour cream atop a bed of crispy tortilla chips, delivering a flavorful blend of spicy, creamy, and crunchy sensations.
Equipments
- Fryer
- Baking sheet or serving platter
- Skillet or sauté pan
- Cheese grater
- Mixing bowl
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Ladle or large spoon
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 bag tortilla chips
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pickled jalapeños
- 2 medium tomatoes
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Use fresh tomatoes for the best flavor and ensure they are diced evenly to distribute texture throughout your Super Nachos. Ground beef should be cooked thoroughly and seasoned evenly with the taco seasoning packet to achieve the authentic taste. Shredded cheddar cheese melts best when spread evenly over warm chips just before serving, enhancing the gooey texture. Pickled jalapenos can be adjusted according to your heat preference, offering a spicy kick while sour cream adds a creamy balance. Your Super Nachos from Taco John's copycat menu come together by layering these ingredients thoughtfully to capture the same bold, satisfying flavors.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
- Heat skillet over medium heat.
- Brown ground beef in skillet.
- Add taco seasoning to beef; cook per packet instructions.
- Wash and dice tomatoes on cutting board with chef's knife.
- Grate cheddar cheese.
- Arrange tortilla chips in a single layer on baking sheet or serving platter.
- Evenly distribute cooked seasoned beef over chips.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over beef and chips.
- Scatter diced tomatoes and sliced jalapeños evenly on top.
- Place loaded nachos in oven; bake until cheese melts (about 5-7 minutes).
- Remove nachos from oven using oven mitts.
- Drizzle or dollop sour cream over nachos with a large spoon or ladle.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Super Nachos from Taco John's copycat menu can be customized easily based on what you have in your kitchen. If pickled jalapenos are unavailable, fresh jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce can provide a similar spicy kick. Ground turkey or chicken can substitute ground beef for a leaner protein option without compromising flavor. Using a skillet to melt cheese evenly ensures a gooey texture, but you can also broil the assembled nachos briefly on a baking sheet for a crispy, bubbly finish. Make sure to serve immediately to maintain the chips' crunch alongside the melted cheese and toppings.
Tips
Make sure to brown the ground beef thoroughly in the skillet to develop rich flavor and avoid soggy toppings. Arrange the tortilla chips in a single layer on the baking sheet to keep them crispy under the cheese and beef. When baking the nachos, monitor the cheese closely to prevent over-melting or burning, which typically takes about 5-7 minutes at 400degF (204degC). Use a spatula or ladle to evenly distribute your sour cream topping just before serving for the best creamy contrast to the spicy beef and jalapenos.
Nutritions
Super Nachos from Taco John's provide a high-protein meal thanks to 1 lb (450g) of seasoned ground beef and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, which also contribute significant calcium and iron. The meal contains a good amount of fat, particularly saturated fat, from the cheese and sour cream, while the jalapenos and tomatoes add fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. Tortilla chips deliver carbohydrates and some sodium, so portion control is important to manage caloric intake. You can balance the dish by serving it with a fresh side salad or opting for reduced-fat sour cream to enhance nutrition without overly increasing calories.
Storage
To keep your Super Nachos fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of preparation. Separate the crispy tortilla chips from the toppings to prevent sogginess, and reheat the seasoned beef and cheese mixture in a skillet over medium heat before assembling again. Use a microwave-safe dish for quick reheating, but be cautious to avoid overheating, which can dry out the toppings.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap seasoned ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter protein option that still absorbs the taco seasoning flavor well. Try adding black beans or corn kernels to the mix for extra texture and nutrition. For a gooey cheese variation, use a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, grating them together for a melty finish. Instead of baking, you could melt the cheese under a grill broiler for 2-3 minutes to crisp up the chips slightly.
Allergies
Super Nachos may pose allergy risks due to common ingredients like dairy from shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream, as well as potential soy or gluten in the taco seasoning. Individuals sensitive to nightshades should be cautious because of tomatoes and jalapenos. You should always check ingredient labels and consult with the restaurant about allergen cross-contamination before enjoying this dish.
Why this recipe?
Taco John's Super Nachos menu entices customers with its generous layers of seasoned ground beef, crispy tortilla chips, melted cheddar cheese, and fresh toppings like jalapenos and diced tomatoes. The vibrant combination of textures and bold flavors delivers a satisfying and crave-worthy experience that fans keep returning for. Your attempt to recreate the copycat recipe allows you to enjoy this authentic taste at home while customizing ingredients to your preference and controlling portion size. Discovering the secret seasoning blends and perfect cheese melt makes it worth trying for any homemade Tex-Mex enthusiast.